I’ve tried countless times to begin a walking training program, I’ve even signed up with Team In Training twice. Due to my RA, fibromyalgia and a history of bad knees I’ve talked myself out of running but I’m convinced that I can walk.

Each time I’ve signed up with Team In Training, I have hurt myself when I start the training program (not their fault, my body just wasn’t ready for that intensity of training). The times I’ve tried to start a walking habit on my own I’ve hurt myself. It’s very discouraging to try to do something that is supposed to be good for me. Walking is supposed to help me with the RA, fibro, mood swings, pain reduction, weight loss. These are all good things, right? Unfortunately I’ve felt that every time I start trying to do something good for my body I end up breaking myself.

This time has been different, a few months ago I downloaded and printed the Zero-to-5K Walking Plan from Prevention. It starts out simple enough with a 15 minute walk. This is my third time starting it. The first time I ended up with swollen, achy knees. The second time I just couldn’t stick to it. So maybe it’s true that the third time is the charm.

I’m using the Nike+ Running app on my iPhone to keep my time, pace and distance. It’s been helpful to see my progress and it feeds into my competitive streak. Every time I get on the treadmill and walk I’m trying to walk a little faster or a little further than the previous time.

Last week I walked three days. One of those days I walked a whole mile, I did it in 16 minutes 51 seconds. Technically I was supposed to walk 15 minutes but I saw how close I was to the mile so I pushed through and walked the full mile. The next time I set out to walk 1 mile, I completed it in 17 minutes and 1 second. I was so upset, I walked it a whole 10 seconds slower. Today I set out to walk for 20 minutes, I had to stop at 10:24 because my left calf was starting to cramp up.I didn’t meet my full 20 minutes that I wanted but it was better than sitting on the couch not doing anything.

Maybe the people who claim that working out makes them feel great are on to something…

3 Responses

You are so brave for showing up third time around, Gabriela! You’re absolutely right in taking it baby step by baby step and letting that be enough.
So glad you’re joining us for Blogtoberfest12.
Kat xx